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Imran Khan Unwilling to Sit with Political Forces for Reforms, Says Rana Sanaullah
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday said that former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan is not prepared to sit with political forces to reform Pakistan’s political system.
Speaking on Samaa TV’s programme Red Line with Talat Hussain, Rana Sanaullah said that despite the passage of 11 years since the tragic Army Public School (APS) attack, the nation continues to condemn terrorism and its devastating consequences.
He recalled a recent attempted attack on a cadet college, warning that the incident could have been even more catastrophic than the APS tragedy had it succeeded.
Referring to the APS attack, Rana Sanaullah said Pakistan lacked national unity on counterterrorism before the tragedy. “There was confusion over the concept of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ Taliban, and the nation was divided,” he said.
According to him, terrorism declined only after a national consensus emerged following the APS incident. However, he said confusion resurfaced when militants were allowed to return to the country.
Rana Sanaullah questioned who had taken the decision to negotiate with terrorists, stating that such talks failed and militants resumed violent activities. “Why is it being said today that there should be no operation against terrorists? Why should talks be held with them?” he asked.
He warned that opposition to intelligence-based operations is dangerous for national security and only creates further confusion.
The PM’s adviser said that former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed had briefed the then government regarding the decision to allow militants to return.
According to him, it was argued at the time that militants would retain their weapons and become part of society under the Constitution and the law.
Rana Sanaullah further alleged that PTI founder Imran Khan remains committed to an “armed struggle.” He referred to incidents on May 9, May 25, and November 26, claiming there was also an intention to resort to violence on November 26, which ultimately failed.
“Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is waiting for an incident,” he alleged.
He said the state has now taken a clear and unambiguous decision to eliminate terrorism. “The nation has decided to deal with terrorists with an iron hand,” he said, adding that those advocating dialogue should also be prepared for strict action.
Commenting on the sentencing of Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, Rana Sanaullah said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif did not comment extensively on the matter. “Nawaz Sharif only said it was retribution,” he said.
He alleged that Faiz Hameed violated discipline and misused authority, particularly in the Top City case, adding that the issue reflected a broader systemic problem rather than the actions of one individual.
Rana Sanaullah said that correcting the political system would remove the need for revenge or relief, adding that accountability should provide satisfaction if institutions act without discrimination.